Photo: David Rodriguez ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
MEET THE CANDIDATE:
Saunteel Jenkins, a Detroit native, began her public service career after earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Wayne State University. Her early life was shaped by the loss of her brother to gun violence, an experience that has influenced her long-standing advocacy for safer communities.
In 2009, she was elected to the Detroit City Council, where she eventually served as Council President. After her time in public office, Jenkins became CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), focusing on utility assistance for working-class families.
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(CONTINUED)In 2020, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and underwent months of treatment before being declared cancer-free. Her personal and professional experiences have included leadership roles, health adversity, and community service involvement.
Jenkins is now a candidate in Detroit’s 2025 mayoral race.
WHAT SHE STANDS FOR:
Jenkins is running for mayor with a platform centered on neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and equitable economic development. She supports community policing and violence intervention programs, drawing from her background in social work and personal experience with gun violence.
Her proposals include creating Strategic Master Plans for each of Detroit’s seven districts, expanding affordable housing, and lowering property taxes to stabilize neighborhoods. Jenkins also advocates for revitalizing commercial corridors, supporting small businesses, and requiring city contractors to hire Detroit residents.
Her education plan includes establishing district-based education hubs modeled after the Marygrove campus to provide cradle-to-career services. Additionally, she supports the development of a unified regional transit system.
Her campaign emphasizes collaboration, investment, and accountability as key to rebuilding Detroit’s communities.
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